and I’ve spent the last ten years chasing something meaningless?
As my stomach clenches, I make my way to the bathroom to take a shower, get my laptop and work things together, and I wait for the royal car to pick me up.
When we roll through the castle gates, my eyes travel up, and up, and up. This castle is much taller than the Summer Palace. It looks like it’s been stretched toward the sky, all towers and stone, with tall, spiked fencing encapsulating it. I glance at the multitude of windows, wondering which one belongs to the Prince.
Has he thought about me since he dropped me off? Has his world shifted as he wonders if his whole life has been a series of unfortunate decisions? Or is that just my sad self?
A footman opens the door for me as I thank the driver, and I’m led through the grand entrance and down a winding path to the back corner of the castle. The hallway is narrow and there aren’t quite so many paintings and chandeliers at this end of the castle.
The footman stops at a modest door, pushing it open and giving me a slight bow. “Your office, Miss Reed.”
“Thank you.” I smile at him before shifting my gaze past his shoulder and into the room.
It’s small, but it’s unlike any office I’ve ever had before. The walls are a soft cream color, with a rich red carpet below my feet. I smile, wondering if Wolfe chose this office for the color. My feet carry me to the window at the far end, which overlooks manicured lawns and fountains spraying tall jets of water—even with winter fast approaching. I lean my forehead against the cool glass, letting out a long sigh as I stare out at the richness below me.
I don’t belong here, but the least I can do is enjoy it while it lasts.
“Didn’t take you long to come back to work,” a rich voice says behind me. I turn to see Wolfe in the doorway, his shoulders brushing either side of the opening. He’s too big to exist in these spaces, but the sight of him filling the doorway makes a bud of heat unfurl in my stomach. I want those strong arms around me.
I gulp, forcing a smile. “The Summer Palace isn’t going to design itself.”
He steps inside, closing the door behind him. We’re alone. Again. Somehow, it feels more scandalous to be alone in this castle with him. At the Summer Palace, as the storm raged around us, it felt intimate. Here, in the capital, it feels like I should be on my best behavior.
The Prince walks toward me, not stopping until his hand sweeps over my hip. He wraps his arm around my back and pulls me close, pressing his chest against mine.
“I think you missed me,” he whispers, a grin teasing the edge of his lips.
“Of course you would think that.” I roll my eyes, but there’s no animosity in it.
Yes, I missed him. Yes, I came here hoping, in a hidden corner of my heart, that he’d come find me. Yes, my heart is fluttering at the thought of him doing just that.
But I’m not going to admit it.
As my gaze crawls up to meet his, the Prince’s smirk sends fire rushing through my veins. He doesn’t need me to say it, because he already knows.
I’m not here to work.
I’m here for him.
22
Wolfe
Rowan’s body belongs next to mine. I can feel it when I hold her close. As I sweep my hand over her cheek and hear a soft moan fall from her lips, I know my heart is in jeopardy.
This is more than lust. It’s more than a carnal urge.
I feel whole for the first time in four years. I could have a future—a bright one, full of laughter and love. I could hold a woman in my arms and feel her love soak into every pore.
Ha. Love.
Who said Rowan loves me? Why would I think that?
Is it because her lips fall open when I tangle my fingers into her copper hair? Is it because the thumping of her heart sends shivers rattling through my core? Is it because I feel something dangerously close to love for her?
If she loved me back, would I be able to protect her, or would I fail her just as I did Abby?
When I kiss Rowan, my thoughts are finally silent. There’s only Rowan and me. Our kiss. Our hands. The burning passion that makes me